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As we start out, we can use this thread for a general discussion and comparison in the variations in ribbons used within specific countries or even between the different countries. This should help collectors determine if an item they are looking at has an original period ribbon and if it is the correct pattern ribbon for that particular medal.

Tim

With all the medals found on the market these days, many have new modern ribbons that seem to be commonplace replacements, often sold as original ribbons. I thought I would show what I believe to be the correct color/pattern ribbon for the Italian Victory Medal and matching the description in Laslo's book.

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Yes, agree there are more patterns than just the one shown on the Johnson example, but I think that specific pattern was the initial color pattern on the earlier Italian pieces and seems to be the prevalent pattern when finding them in mounted groups. Unfortunately, Laslo does not go into any detail on the Italian ribbons like he does for the other countries listed in his book.

I also believe as the war progressed, or at least by 1918, the French pattern ribbon was probably used by most countries at that point as we see it on so many different medals. Probably more cost effective to just buy the material already made in France. I do believe the ribbon on the unmarked example I posted in post #52 to be original to the medal as it appears period sewn.

I have a couple more Italian medals that I need to take PICS and post, one is another Johnson example with a different pattern altogether, and a Lorioli & Castelli example. It was shown and advertised as MINT and when this flake in Germany actually sent the medal, the medal sent was a well worn (and completely different medal) example by this maker, but the ribbon is one of these modern examples that are not the correct color/pattern used and often seen on ebay these days.

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As an aide here are some italian vics with original ribbon. I have confirmed this to be so through various italian medal forums and collectors. The pictures should show a consistent sort of ribbon variety. There are a couple of other varieties which are seen on earlier issued italian vics where the ribbon is less blended. Kev from Deva had both varieties in one of his posts.

The pin holes seen on some of the ribbons are from the plain safety pin that was used to hold the medal to the corresponding award certificate !

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So, any idea what this ribbon is supposed to be to? Or, maybe just a fabrication for the Victory medal?? No idea here.

Tim

Tim,

As you have suspected it would be a more recent production ribbon. Apart from the more coarse contemporary ribbon seen in the U.K. there are also numerous other patterns eminating from continental Europe.

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As we start out, we can use this thread for a general discussion and comparison in the variations in ribbons used within specific countries or even between the different countries. This should help collectors determine if an item they are looking at has an original period ribbon and if it is the correct pattern ribbon for that particular medal.

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I should add that this soldier's group came together with his brother's group. The brother's group is as issued with full length ribbons and never worn, whereas the VM shown may have been displayed by the family or a collector and therefore faded. Or it's not a British issue ribbon, what do you think?

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Thanks for the quick reply Tim. I'll look forward to hearing what Rob has to say when he has the time to go online.

Tony

Hello Bill,

As has been indicated there are a number of different varieties of ribbons specific to each country.

There are quite a few different varieties of the Czechoslovakian versions and yours looks okay.

The French ribbon is okay although a little faded and worn.

The ribbon on the British example looks more like being of French origin although it is difficult to be certain from the pic. Again there are a number of different varieties of the French ribbon.

The British ribbon is actually 38mm wide while most French ribbon is 36mm wide. In addition the original British ribbon has a very thin white cotton edge and has a thinner central red stripe. An example of an early British ribbon is at the older pinned thread at post # 158 on 10 October 2009 for comparison.

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Sorry for the cross-posting as I put this in the US Medals section yesterday. However, it appears that this is the better thread for my question.

The attached photo shows a family member, a nurse in the AEF. The Red Cross medal and the second ribbon have been identified (12 months overseas service and the Veteran of Foreign Wars, respectively). I wonder if the first ribbon is not the short-lived 'original' design?

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The first ribbon does look like the early US version of the Victory Medal - there is a very similar pair of ribbons here http://gmic.co.uk/index.php/topic/21214-us-ribbon-bar/ in post # 2 the lower bar. What do you think?

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The service ribbon which I believe you are referring too (A). This type ribbon has been used on at less five State type medals. Which make me think that is not the unofficial service ribbon used to represent the Victory medal.

The one marked (B) is more likely the unofficial service ribbon worn before the issue of the Victory Medal..

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Just to confuse me further (never a difficult task) I have a Greek Official type on a new-looking ribbon that is 32mm wide. Would the Greek medals have been on French ribbon originally?

Bill

Yes, the official greek vic would have come on French ribbon.

The Romanian official vic has also been seen on a French ribbon. The unofficial types 1, 2, 3, and 3a have been seen on a variety of local Romanian produced ribbons. The colours, tones and widths vary as a result.

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